Cartography & Geospatial Mapping

Overview
Cartography and Geospatial Mapping focuses on the science and art of creating maps, analysing spatial data, and using tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to understand physical and human environments. Students learn how to collect, interpret, and visualize geographic information for planning, research, and environmental management.

What You Will Learn

• Principles of cartography

• Map design and visualization

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Remote sensing and satellite imagery

• Spatial data analysis

• Geodetic surveying

• Digital mapping technologies

• Environmental and urban mapping

• GPS data collection

• Spatial modelling and map accuracy

Career Opportunities

• GIS technician

• Cartographer

• Remote sensing analyst

• Spatial data specialist

• Environmental mapping consultant

• Land survey assistant

• Urban planning GIS assistant

• Disaster management mapping technician

Industries That Hire

• Government & municipalities

• Environmental agencies

• Mining sector

• Urban & regional planning departments

• Agriculture & forestry

• Mapping companies

• Satellite imaging organisations

• Research institutions

• Private GIS consulting firms

Institutions Offering (South Africa)

(These offer GIS, cartography, geospatial or remote-sensing related programs)

• University of Pretoria

• University of Cape Town

• University of the Witwatersrand

• Stellenbosch University

• University of KwaZulu-Natal

• North-West University

• University of the Free State

• Nelson Mandela University

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology

• Tshwane University of Technology

• Mangosuthu University of Technology

• Various SETA-accredited GIS training providers